Tropical Storm Garance Causes Airport Closures and Alerts in Mauritius

Tropical Storm Garance has led to the closure of Mauritius’ main international airport, prompting safety warnings and flight rescheduling. Meanwhile, La Reunion is preparing for a lockdown as the cyclone approaches, with local authorities urging residents to remain indoors and prepare for service disruptions.

Mauritius has temporarily closed its primary international airport due to the adverse weather conditions caused by Tropical Storm Garance, which have also led the Foreign Office to issue alerts for certain regions in the Indian Ocean. Travellers are advised to reach out to their airlines for the latest updates, as the airport will remain closed until further notice.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has urged UK nationals in Mauritius to stay safe and adhere to local authorities’ guidance. In a statement, Air Mauritius, the national airline, expressed understanding regarding the inconvenience and assured that flights would be rescheduled promptly when the airport resumes operations and conditions allow. Furthermore, the airline is offering complimentary changes to travel dates for passengers until March 31, 2025.

Meanwhile, the nearby French island of La Reunion is preparing for a complete lockdown as the cyclone nears. Authorities have instructed residents to remain indoors and make necessary preparations for potential power and water disruptions, utilizing their phones only in urgent situations to stay updated on weather developments.

“After the cyclone has passed, all services involved in crisis management will carry out reconnaissance,” stated the prefect, the head of local administration. The lockdown will remain in effect until security conditions improve, and the associated red alert is lifted.

In summary, Mauritius has closed its international airport due to Tropical Storm Garance, prompting safety advisories for travellers and UK nationals. Air Mauritius is accommodating flexible travel arrangements. La Reunion is facing a lockdown in anticipation of the cyclone. Local authorities continue to emphasize safety and preparedness during this weather crisis.

Original Source: www.ttgmedia.com